Dark but vibrant copper body. Really sticks to the glass leaving behind slow moving but numerous legs and a nice ring of beads. Nose definitely indicates it's a Russell product: notable spice notes and Rye contribution among the vanilla, barn must and oak sawdust. Faint hint of rosemary or eucalyptus in there, too. Sweet up front followed immediately by a bright tart fruitiness (think granny smith apple pie) sliding into tons of spice and contributions from the wood. An explosion of flavor coats the mouth and stays for a while, leaving carmel, cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom and butterscotch. Terrific long finish. Warms the chest and mouth. A few drops of water bring out some coconut and really amplify the vanilla. This is everything I look for in a Russell family bourbon, but turned up in magnitude, and lengthened out over the finish. Second only to their 13 year in any offering I've had from them.